Whether you’re camping for a few days…
…or spending a few hours in the great outdoors, a portable…
…reliable stove is essential to cooking and boiling water.
If you want to wake up to a cup of hot coffee, you’ll need a portable stove.
The stove you’ll need for your trip will depend…
…on how many nights you’ll be camping as well…
…as the type of weather you’ll encounter. In here, we also have an article…
….about do I need a backpacking stove or not…
…if you want to know more about it.
“When it comes to choosing the right stove for your next backpacking trip, you’ll want to consider weight, boil time, burn time, and fuel needs. The most common fuel types include canister, liquid, alcohol, and wood.”
Kelly McGown, Social Media Manager at Advanced Primate
It is important to factor in your needs…
…when choosing a backpacking stove to ensure you get the right one…
…for your outdoor adventure.
Let’s hear Kesha’s story before moving on…
My backpacking stove is awesome! I absolutely love it!
It goes with me fishing, hunting, hiking, backpacking, etc.
I can’t imagine life without it. Most of the components fit inside, except for the fuel.
Boiling water takes just a minute!
Besides coffee, I can make MREs, hot cocoa, and cup of noodles.
It has been amazing frying up bacon and eggs while fishing on the lake with this!
Would definitely recommend!
It’s time to get started…
What to Look for in a Backpacking Stove
Fuel Type
For a backpacking stove, the most common types of fuel are canisters…
…liquids, alcohol, and wood/pellets.
They screw onto the threaded tops of closed fuel canisters…
…(isobutane or propane). Beginners will like how easy they are to use…
…and how low maintenance they require.
In contrast, liquid fuel stoves use bottles of white gas that need to be refilled.
Wood-burning and pellet stoves are super light…
…making them great for hiking, though they can be difficult…
…in cold weather conditions or for large groups.
In cold weather conditions, liquid fuel is preferred…
…though most canister stoves will also work.
Size
You need to consider the size and weight of your backpacking stove…
…when planning your trip. If the stove is too heavy or large,…
…it will be hard to pack and carry.
If it’s too small or lightweight, it may not be able…
…to accomplish your cooking/boiling needs.
Make sure the stove you plan to bring will fit in your backpack…
…by double-checking the dimensions.
Unlike liquid fuel stoves, canister stoves have the advantage…
…of being extremely compact and lightweight.
The smaller the stove, the fewer people it can serve…
…and the smaller the pans you’ll need.
Burn Time
Depending on the fuel source and size, you’ll need to consider…
…how many hours your stove can burn.
As different types and sizes of fuel burn at different rates…
…so do different sized canisters.
With liquid fuel, it’s easy to tell when you’re almost out…
…but with canister stoves, it’s more difficult.
So, here’s the main thing…
Our Top Picks for Backpacking Stoves
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Jetboil Flash Camping Stove Cooking System, Carbon | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | MSR PocketRocket Ultralight Backpacking, Camping, and Travel Stove, PR 2: Ultra Compact | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | MSR WhisperLite International Multifuel Backpacking Stove | Prime | Buy Now | |
 | Keweis Portable Outdoor Mini Alcohol Stove Burner Ultralight Camping Cookware Set for Outdoor Camping, Hiking, Backpacking, Picnic | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Let’s go through them one by one…
Jetboil Flash Cooking System
- Optimized for efficiency, the Jetboil Flash boils water in a lightning-quick 100 seconds, making it the fastest Jetboil ever.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
It falls right in the middle of the price range for backpacking stoves…
…and covers all the bases for a reliable, durable, and highly functional product.
Jetboil is known for being a trusted leader in backpacking stoves…
…and this camper model is one of its most popular models.
Powered by liquid petroleum gas and made of aluminum…
…this stove includes an insulated cooking cup..
…that lets you boil water and quickly heat food.
With the push-button ignition, this is super user-friendly and easy to light…
…making it great for novice hikers.
It includes a fuel canister stabilizer…
…which can also be used as a measuring cup or bowl.
Jetboil accessories, such as the skillet, the coffee pot…
…and the hanging kit, are not included, but would be great purchases…
…if you want to make the most of your Jetboil.
This lightweight stove weighs just 0.82 pounds…
…making it the perfect tool for any outdoor adventure.
Pros:
- Ultra lightweight
- Easy to light
- Water boils quickly
Cons:
- Other Jetboil accessories not included
- Expensive
MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove
- Ultralight (2.6 oz) and compact (2x2x3 in) folding canister stove for minimalist adventures, backpacking, hiking, trekking, camping, and global travel
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
You can still enjoy warm food and beverages on your backpacking trip..
…if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on your stove.
Gas-powered and ultra-compact, this stove weighs as little as 0.16 pounds.
It can boil a liter of water in just 3½ minutes.
Even though it does not come with pots or mugs…
…it can accommodate a wide range of sizes and styles.
The push ignition is very simple and easy to use.
Additionally, the flame strength can be easily adjusted…
…for whatever you’re cooking or gently heating.
For the minimalist backpacker who wants a reliable, fast…
…and affordable stove, this is the perfect choice.
Customers love the amount of burn time they’re able to get from each canister…
…with some saying they were able to use the canister…
…for up to two hours before they needed to refill it.
Pros:
- Ultra lightweight
- Comes with a protective case
- Easy to start
Cons:
- Does not include any mugs or cups
MSR WhisperLite International Backpacking Stove
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
A backpacking stove that uses liquid fuel allows you…
…to use a variety of fuels worldwide, such as white gas, kerosene, and gasoline…
…which is ideal for people traveling to multiple countries.
One liter of water can be boiled on the stove in just three minutes and thirty seconds.
The stove comes with a fuel pump, windscreen…
….heat reflector, small-parts kit, instructions, and storage sack…
…but the fuel bottle is sold separately.
Pros:
- Can run on a variety of liquid gases
- Boils water quickly
- Lightweight
Cons:
- Fuel is sold separately
- Expensive
Keep reading…
Jetboil Sumo Cooking System
- The Jetboil SUMO packs the same regulator control as other Jetboil-regulated cooking systems, but with a higher-capacity cup-to-fuel cooking ratio for you and your friends.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Are you planning a trip with a large group of people?
Most backpacking stoves are designed for one to two people…
…because of their small, compact size…
…but this Jetboil Sumo stove is ideal for a larger group of campers.
Using the 1.8-liter cooking cup, you can accommodate…
…more people without having to bring any additional heavy equipment.
You’ll be able to cook more food with this stove…
…since it has a higher cup-to-fuel ratio.
Using the easy flame adjustments, you can simmer, lightly heat…
…or strongly cook just about anything.
Despite the lack of attachments, you can always purchase the Jetboil coffee press…
…skillet, and FluxRing 1.5-liter cooking pot to expand…
…your cooking options while camping.
This stove received positive reviews from customers with groups…
…of four to six members, stating that it was easy to heat enough food…
…for everyone with just one canister and the 1.8-liter pot.
Pros:
- High cup-to-fuel cooking ratio
- Easy flame adjustments
Cons:
- Expensive
- Extra attachments sold separately
Go on…
Keweis Portable Outdoor Mini Alcohol Stove Burner
- LIGHTWEIGHT AND PORTABLE: Mini ultra-light, net weight: 145g/5oz, base dimensions: 3.86 x 3.86 x 2.29 inches
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The minimalist backpacker’s best friend is this compact, lightweight stove.
An aluminum alloy stove is durable, efficient…
…and can hold a good flame even in windy conditions.
As such, if you are able to set up a small windscreen…
…your stove will burn more efficiently and use less fuel.
With the foldable flame regulator, you can easily adjust the intensity of the flame.
There is a rubber seal on the stove…
…which prevents any leaks or evaporation of alcohol.
There are also holes on the stove in order to provide an efficient, strong flame.
The kit includes the stove, stand, and storage bag…
…but you will need to provide alcohol as well as pots and pans.
Users report that the stove can burn strongly for about 90 minutes.
An affordable price and a user-friendly setup make this a great option…
…for a novice backpacker who wants something cheap and simple for their first few trips.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Durable
- Easy temperature control
Cons:
- Alcohol not included
Sum Up!
While there is no single backpacking stove that is right for every application…
…the stoves listed above can support a weekend hike on the Appalachian Trail…
…for two to a weeklong backpacking trip on the Colorado Plateau with friends.
The majority of our testers and friends agree…
…that food tastes better in the outdoors, especially when done correctly.
It is our hope that you find the right stove for you that will…
…lead to many happy, tasty meals in the backcountry.
Conclusion
The Jetboil Flash Cooking System is a great option…
…for novice backpackers as well as seasoned outdoor enthusiasts…
…because it’s user-friendly, lightweight, and comes from a trusted brand.
We recommend the budget-friendly MSR PocketRocket 2 Stove…
…if you don’t want to spend much money.
Hi there! I’m a food enthusiast and journalist, and I have a real passion for food that goes beyond the kitchen. I love my dream job and I’m lucky enough to be able to share my knowledge with readers of several large media outlets. My specialty is writing engaging food-related content, and I take pride in being able to connect with my audience. I’m known for my creativity in the kitchen, and I’m confident that I can be the perfect guide for anyone looking to take their culinary journey to the next level.
